With rivers rising and roads closed, the Tararua Emergency Operations Centre was activated in the district council chambers yesterday.
"Things have been ramping up," Maureen Reynolds, the controller of operations said.
Three Woodville roads were closed and one person self-evacuated in Woodville, as emergency operations centre staff worked in close conjunction with Horizons Regional Council after 77mm of rain fell overnight Monday and throughout Tuesday, the remnants of Cyclone Debbie.
"Police are monitoring the situation and we are out and about keeping a close eye on things," Mrs Reynolds said.
A Dannevirke rental property which had its owners at their wit's end last year because of flooding, was under water again yesterday.